WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pennsylvania’s freshman Senator John Fetterman (D- PA) makes his return to the Capitol. Fetterman spent the past several weeks getting treatment for severe depression.  

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for Fetterman during his treatment. His treatment has opened up a bigger conversation around mental health here at the Capitol. Since returning, he's hit the ground running. 

"Lawmakers should not be able to profit off of the same companies that they are regulating,” said Sen. Fetterman during a press event. “It's just that simple.” 

That’s the Senator speaking at his first major press conference since returning to the Senate. He joined other members introducing legislation that would ban members of congress, their spouses and dependent minors from owning or trading stocks, commodities, or futures.   

While this is his first big appearance on the Hill after wrapping up his treatment for depression, he was still able to get a lot done even when he wasn’t physically present at the Capitol. Staffers we spoke with said he kept his constituent services open, he was also able to open more offices around Pennsylvania, including one in Erie, while he was away from the Hill. He was still able to introduce legislation while he was away.  

Members on both sides of the aisle wished Fetterman a speedy recovery. Senator Chuck Schumer (D- NY) took to the floor, welcoming the Pennsylvania freshman Senator back.   

“We're all glad he got the support he needed and he's sending an important message to millions of Americans that asking for and getting help works," said Sen. Schumer.   

Fetterman's return means he can now vote on legislation and nominations. Also making their return to the Hill is republican minority leader Mitch McConnell. He was hospitalized after falling at a fundraising dinner. California democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) who said she was hospitalized for shingles, has also been gone for quite some time but might return soon.   

The Senate has a narrow 51 to 49 majority in the chamber. With that slim majority, absences can hold up getting through legislation and nominations.